Dance It Out Studios: Ballet Class Description and Attire

Ballet Class Descriptions:

Classical ballet is the foundation for all forms of theater dance. Classroom instruction will incorporate the best of ballet teaching systems: Ceccehetti, Vaganova, and Western influences. Students will follow a syllabus created by the teacher in accordance with his or her physical abilities and mental development. If you wish to see the syllabus, please contact the teacher. Advancement will be based on ability and not necessarily age. The below are the classroom plans. We may not reach every goal but will strive to reach as many as possible. Student evaluations will be completed at the end of the year to monitor each student’s progress.

Tutu Tots for 2 year olds – 30 minutes

This class is designed for 2 year olds. The class will introduce students to a traditional dance class. Students will learn classroom behavior, walking, running, marching, skipping, small stretches, counting music, emotions, port de bras, free dance, and prop dance. The class will use games, action songs, and props to engage students. Parents or guardians may be allowed in classroom until the student is ready for independent work.

3 and 4 year old Pre-Ballet – 45 minutes

Students will learn basic ballet technique. Proper placement, rhythm, body control, directions, listening skills, and coordinated movements will be emphasized. Students will learn: walking, running, skipping, sitting, basic positions of feet and body, jumping, port de bras, French ballet terms, cultural dances, and performance skills. Students will be introduced to story ballets, prop dancing, group dance, and the structure of a ballet class. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: nutrition.

5 and 7 year old Pre-Ballet – 45 minutes

In addition to the above, students will learn coordinated ballet movement to music. Proper ballet classroom structure will be emphasized. Students will begin learning: plies, tendus, jumps, passes, port de bras, grand battements, spring points, gallops, balance, curtsey, and positions of the body. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: music, nutrition, drama, and strengthening.

8 and 10 year old Ballet – 60 minutes

In addition to the above, elementary ballet class will be introduced. Further steps added: rond de jambe, leg and head positions, head spotting, steps traveling across floor, center work, pas de bouree, simple jumps, proper stretching, and big jumps. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: music, nutrition, drama, and pilates.

Tweens and Teens – 60 minutes

In addition to the above, class will be structured as follow: warm-up, barre work, center work, and across the floor. Intermediate ballet steps will be introduced such as turns, jumps with beats, adagio in center, and variations. Students will also begin to learn the basic anatomy needed to execute these steps. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: music, nutrition, drama, pilates, and injury prevention.

Pre-Pointe – 60 minutes

This secondary class is for ballet dancers ages 10 and up who are preparing for pointe. The class builds upon the student's current ballet class and introduces the specific exercises plus theraband work. This class builds strength in the foot, ankle, and core and also insures proper alignment for progression to full pointe class.

At the Barre – 60 minutes

Adults only. This class is a fusion of yoga, pilates, and ballet. Emphasis will be placed on using the ballet barre. This class will target using the core and leg muscles. There will also be a section for stretching and meditating.

Adult Ballet – 60 minutes

This class is designed for students with little or no prior ballet training. Students practice a series of ballet technique exercises that build upon one another to thoroughly warm up and exercise the entire body. Starting with slow exercises at the barre, the class transitions to exercises in the center of the room for the second half of the class.

Attire:

Any color solid color leotard with pink convertible tights. Convertible tights are recommended so students can easily switch to street shoes. Pink ballet shoes are required. Please make sure these are not bedroom slippers. Split sole ballet shoes are recommended for ages 7 and up. Skirts, legwarmers, and dance sweaters are allowed. No pants, shorts, tanks, or t-shirts allowed. Hair must be pulled back and out of face. Ballet bun is preferred.

Below are suggested items: